Sent on 11 November:
"Dear Dominic,
The Good Shepherd Trust and Richard Dunne
I am writing in response to your letter of 5 November to Alex Tear (Interim CEO).
I am rather surprised by what you have written, since you say that you understand the issues around privacy.
I hope that you will accept that we can say no more to you, or to the parents at this time. In my judgement, we have been as transparent and reassuring as possible, given the nature of what is taking place. As a responsible employer, we are concerned for Richard Dunne, his welfare and his right to confidentiality. We regret that this prevents us from saying more to address the frustration of anxious parents at the school.
In paragraphs 4 and 5 of the statement on 24 October, we have explained: first, that we are not currently able to comment on the reasons for absence, as doing so would be a breach of an employee’s right to confidentiality; and, secondly, that we look forward to sharing more openly with parents when we are permitted to do so.
We are all hoping for an early resolution and ask for patience as the matter is given both the highest priority and our utmost attention.
If you still have concerns over how this matter is being handled by the Trust, then I suggest that we should meet and discuss.
Yours sincerely
Simon Walker JP
Chair of the Board of Trustees / Directors"
"Dear Dominic,
The Good Shepherd Trust and Richard Dunne
I am writing in response to your letter of 5 November to Alex Tear (Interim CEO).
I am rather surprised by what you have written, since you say that you understand the issues around privacy.
I hope that you will accept that we can say no more to you, or to the parents at this time. In my judgement, we have been as transparent and reassuring as possible, given the nature of what is taking place. As a responsible employer, we are concerned for Richard Dunne, his welfare and his right to confidentiality. We regret that this prevents us from saying more to address the frustration of anxious parents at the school.
In paragraphs 4 and 5 of the statement on 24 October, we have explained: first, that we are not currently able to comment on the reasons for absence, as doing so would be a breach of an employee’s right to confidentiality; and, secondly, that we look forward to sharing more openly with parents when we are permitted to do so.
We are all hoping for an early resolution and ask for patience as the matter is given both the highest priority and our utmost attention.
If you still have concerns over how this matter is being handled by the Trust, then I suggest that we should meet and discuss.
Yours sincerely
Simon Walker JP
Chair of the Board of Trustees / Directors"